Student Success Stories

Student Success Story: Scott BeachleyHuntington Beach Adult School

I wanted to take the time to share a success story of a very special Adult Education student. His name is Scott (Zahir) Beachley and he is my son. As the College and Career Specialist at Huntington Beach Adult School, I know first hand the struggles some of our students face in achieving their goals. They experience many internal and external barriers and for that reason when a student reaches their desired goal the celebration is even sweeter. My son had his share of barriers; considered Twice Exceptional, he is extremely intelligent but has battled with issues related to his ADHD/Aspergers diagnosis.

Although he completed two years of college in Colorado at a private university, he had underdeveloped life skills that kept him from completing. This left him at a crossroads. This is when I referred him to Downey Adult School (my former employer) for their Massage Therapy program. Blanca Rochin, the principal, rolled out the red carpet for Scott (as she does for every student). She was highly professional, very caring, compassionate and welcoming. Mr. Monte, the massage therapy teacher, is amazing. He is attentive, gives individual instruction when needed and provides a lot of encouragement to students. When Scott completed the program in November 2018, Mr. Monte gave a special graduation in his classroom where he gave a personal speech about each and every student. His speech about my son brought me to tears. I felt as if he had graduated from Harvard, and that is how I treated his accomplishment. As a College and Career Specialist, I encouraged all of the graduates to continue their education.

I want to thank Mr. Monte from the bottom of my heart for the experience Scott had in his class. Scott is now working at a couple local Spas doing sports massage and other various forms he learned. The boss told me, “Scott is doing really great at my office – everyone likes him and at my chair massage events he does fantastic. He’s a go getter.“ When I made the referral to Blanca’s school, I knew my son would be in good hands but his experience went over and above any expectations I had, especially due to the instruction he received from Mr. Monte. I can’t say enough about their program. In addition, the program was FREE due to the school being able to take the FAFSA.

The notion behind pursuing massage therapy was that so he can have a flexible job with a good wage to allow him to finish school. Scott is also taking classes at Cypress College and Coastline College and will be transferring to CSULB where he will major in Recreation Therapy, and eventually pursue Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. He would like to open his own Wellness Center to provide services to the Autism Community. I’m so very proud of him as I am of all of our students who put their trust in us as Adult Educators to help them make their career dreams come true. I can’t think of a better example than Downey Adult School, Blanca Rochin and Mr. Monte. Thank you!

Student Success Story: Liliana AparicioEast LA Occupational Center

Liliana Aparicio enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the summer of 2017. She completed the ESL program and never imagined transitioning to Career & Technical Education (CTE). Ms. Vicky Broccolo visited her ESL class last May and presented students with an overview of the Integrated Education & Training (IET) Pharmacy Technician course that was to be offered in the summer. Ms. Aparicio was highly motivated and told herself,“Just give it a try.”

Her background is in Business Administration and she holds a Bachelor’s Degree from her native country El Salvador. During the Summer IET class she was able to appreciate the opportunity to become exposed to this fascinating career. She had held jobs in warehouses and hospital kitchens, which she disliked due to the lack of interaction with customers. She will be able to interact directly with people on a daily basis when she completes her training and become a certified pharmacy technician.

It has been a challenge for Liliana, since she is raising two young children, ages 6 and 4, while pursuing her goal of completing the Pharmacy Technician program. Her mother has been very supportive by being involved in her grandchildren’s education and upbringing. She also finds the language barrier a bit daunting, but so far she has persevered and overcome many challenges. After class, she goes home and relaxes for an hour, then goes to the library, where she catches up on the day’s lesson for three hours.

“I see the importance of the support that East LA Occupational Center offers all students, not only to help us learn English, but to encourage us to pursue a career through the Career Technical Education programs,” she added.

Her advice to her former ESL classmates, “Give it a try; you have to find something better for yourself and family.”

She would like to thank her current teacher, Ms. Broccolo, for her patience and leadership, Mr. Bill Hrycyna, Ms. Veronica Aguirre, and her husband for the motivation in pursuing this new challenge.

Student Success Story: Xiaoyi Yi LiEl Monte-Rosemead Adult School

Xiaoyi Yi Li was born in the province of Guangdong in China. Her father was a teacher and the inspiration for Xiaoyi Yi to become a teacher as well. Growing up, she always enjoyed school and started learning English in middle school. She was a top student and received numerous academic awards. Xiaoyi Yi became an elementary school teacher and taught in China for six years, then resigned to emigrate to the United States in 1999.

She had met her husband when they were in China, but he and his family had also emigrated to the United States and they were married in California. Xiaoyi Yi was anxious to continue her education in America. She recalls arriving in California on a Friday, going to an amusement park that weekend, and registering for ESL classes at the Rosemead Adult School on Monday. She was put on wait list, so she decided to enroll in evening classes at Rosemead High School where she was placed in ESL Level 1 (Beginning Low). She was later called by the Rosemead Center where she was reevaluated and placed into Connie Villaruel’s Intermediate-Low class in the morning and Carmen Garcia’s ESL Level 3 class in the afternoon. Xiaoyi Yi finished all levels of ESL, completing the program in 2001.

Xiaoyi Yi’s next step was the High School Independent Studies Program which she completed in 2003. At the same time, she was working on her high school diploma, Xiaoyi Yi was taking classes at Pasadena City College where she obtained both an Associates of Arts and Associates of Science degrees with a major in Applied and Liberal Arts Studies.

In 2001 Xiaoyi Yi was hired as a part- time Adult Education Assistant. After learning additional skills in the workplace, she moved to the ESL Resource Office where she assisted in registering and giving placement tests to students, scanning CASAS tests and assisting the Resource teacher with a variety of projects. During this time, Xiaoyi Yi had two children and like so many adult students, balanced family, home and work. In 2006 she became an election volunteer inspector for Los Angeles County. In 2015, she was hired as a Para Educator for the ESL Department where she helps students in the Beginning Literacy class. She gives educational support to students and prepares teaching materials for teachers.

Xiaoyi Yi is a lifelong learner who continues taking classes at El Monte- Rosemead Adult School and is certified in several CTE pathways, including Accounting Fundamentals, computer certifications at the expert level, and is currently in the Administrative Assistant pathway.

What impresses Xiaoyi Yi most about adult education is the dedication of the students, especially the effort the older adults make to come to school every day, and how happy students are to be there. Xiaoyi Yi is very happy to help students with all of their needs and truly enjoys giving them the same kind of encouragement her teachers had always given her.

As part of her commitment to adult education, Xiaoyi Yi became of member of CCAE. Whenever there is an event or fundraiser, she is there to help translate for the ESL Beginning Low students and helps them access resources to pay for books, public transportation or get medical help.

Harvey Gunderman practically tripped and fell into Adult Education. “I never considered working in adult education, but now, it seems like it’s where I was always meant to be,” he says with his characteristic grin on his face. Harvey came to my attention 3 years ago when he was referred to me as an AVID tutor (AVID being my other hat in the district). I told him that I was looking for tutors for our adult night program, but, at that time, I had no resources to pay him. He offered to volunteer two nights a week and the teachers were happy to have his help. Soon, he was coming into the office early to see how he could help and the teachers were praising the way he was able to connect with students in the classroom.

Eventually, we were able to bring him on as an hourly paid tutor, but his role soon expanded to include attending trainings on CASAS testing, TOPS Pro, and consortium initiatives. Once our state funding was restored, I created the position of Adult School Coordinator, a job tailor made for his skill set and capabilities. He has been my right hand man ever since, running all of our CASAS testing, acting as our data manager in Tops, assisting both ESL and ASE teachers, and running all of our student orientation sessions. Harvey is a self-starter and problem-solver extraordinaire. I know that I can give him any task, some idea of what I am looking for, and he will figure out the best way to get it done. It’s amazing to have such a great assistant who can not only accomplish the day to day tasks, but also act as a thought partner for new ideas and as a leader for our school.

Harvey is currently attending UC Davis, majoring in Philosophy and considering a double major or minor in Education. I worry about the day that he graduates because I don’t know what I will do without him, but I also cheer his success. If you attend the CCAE conference in the Spring, keep a look out for Harvey (you’ll know him when you see him), and come by and say hi!

STUDENT SUCCESS Story: Lucienne Simeupittsburg adult education center

The California Council for Adult Education has selected Pittsburg Adult Education student Lucienne Kegne Simeu for special recognition. Simeu, an English as a Second Language student has been recognized by OTAN (Outreach and Technical Assistance Network)* Students Succeed program.

The award is given annually to adult education students who has overcome difficult circumstances in order to successfully pursue adult learning experiences resulting in employment. Those recognized must have made positive contributions to their community and established and met life goals as a result of attending an adult education program. The award also recognizes those who have improved the life situation of self and/or others as a result of adult learning experiences.

Ms. Simeu hails from the French-speaking section of Cameroon, Africa. Due to a local civil war, she could not start school until the age of 10. At age 12 Lucia quit school to care for her severely ailing parents and raise her siblings. Two years later, after her family health and financial situation improved, Lucienne chose not to return to school due to the shame she felt being two years behind her peers. She focused instead on building a successful small business making and selling crackers in the local marketplace.

At age 18, Lucia married and had a baby. She wanted to return to school but her husband would not allow her to do so. She contented herself raising her growing family and reading in her spare time.

In November of 2012 Lucia’s oldest daughter, now a doctor living in the Pittsburg area, brought Lucia and her husband to the United States. At this point Lucia spoke only French and several African tribal languages. Taking care of her grandchildren, Lucia felt a compelling need to learn English in order to communicate with her grandchildren’s teachers and be prepared to handle any emergency situations that could arise. It was at this time that she began attending English as a Second Language classes offered at the Pittsburg Adult Education Center (PAEC). She also enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant program offered by the school and consequently passed her Certified Nursing Assistant state examination early in 2018. Upon passing her state certification she was immediately offered a job at a local rehabilitation center. During this time she also busied herself with giving speeches on women’s suffrage and women’s rights. She currently is developing a talk about women inventors and their inventions.

Lucia continues the tradition of her women relatives in sharing their passion for education and helping others. Her grandmother received a medal from the first president of Cameroon for her work in the village hospital aiding local doctors assist in child births. Lucia smiles at the thought of how proud her grandmother and mother would be to know that she is carrying on the tradition.

*OTAN provides electronic collaboration, information, and support for instructional technology and distance learning to literacy and adult education providers in California. It is their objective to lead California adult education in the integration of technology into the educational process, ultimately empowering learners to meet their academic, employment, civic and personal goals.

STUDENT SUCCESS Story: Luis GomezSanger Adult School

Luis Gomez, as a teenager in high school, many things distracted him from concentrating on school. He left school in 2009, when he learned that he would not be able to graduate with his class.

After working a few different jobs and hitting multiple dead- ends, Luis realized that he was not going to get ahead without an education. He registered for Sanger Adult School to earn his high school diploma in 2014. When he returned to school, he had a wife and daughter to support. The Independent Study Program allowed him to continue working fulltime to support his family and study at night.

Luis graduated from Sanger Adult School in 2015. After investigating a variety of career options, he landed a job at Creative Alternatives School as an Instructional Aide. Currently, he is working as a Transportation Coordinator for the same school. This job has allowed Luis the financial freedom to buy a house for his family. Buying the house has two positive outcomes: One, Luis and his family have a stable home. The second is that the property has a guesthouse that he rents out to supplement his income.

All and all, Luis is living a comfortable and productive life. He is grateful for the opportunity to attend adult school to finish his high school diploma. Luis said, “I feel that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the adult school”.

STUDENT SUCCESS Story: ISELA JIMENEZFolsom Cordova Adult School

When you walk into Folsom Cordova Community Partnership Job Center, located on the Folsom Cordova Adult School campus, you are greeted with the smiling face of Isela Diaz Jiminez with either a "hello" or an "ola." Isela is an administrative assistant at the Job Center. She is one of Folsom Cordova Adult School's (FCAS) many shining success stories. Isela started out in FCAS's Adult Basic Education to work on her math, reading, and writing and to prepare for the HiSET Class. After about a year Isela passed the HiSET tests and set her sights on the office Technologies CTE pathway. At FCAS she completed Office Technologies along with the QuickBooks Certification. After graduating and receiving the office certifications, Isela started an internship at the Job Center. Eventually, she was promoted to a full-time paying job with benefits. Isela is extremely helpful at the Job Center-helping job candidates find the resources and staff that will help them on the next step in their employment path. Isela could have settled for a minimum wage job, but she pushed herself to pass the HiSET and get the Office Technologies Certification. This is what FCAS is all about-determining students' goals and getting them on the pathway to achieving their goals.

Student Success Story: Rodney LacanientaPoway Adult School

As the Poway Adult School's Learning Center door opens and students begin to enter, there is a person who always stands out. His smile is always the first thing one notices. This happens every day the center is open, rain or shine. It's hard to believe that there was once a time when the dedication to learning and perseverance to succeed was not his number one priority.

As he was growing up, Rodney Lacanienta made some poor choices, which included using drugs and joining a gang when he was 13 years old. By the time he was a junior in high school, he had been removed from school for several offenses, including drug use and fighting. He found himself in and out of institutions for the next several years.

In hopes of changing his ways, Rodney decided to leave San Diego and start fresh in Nevada. Unfortunately, he found it easier to continue along the same path. He was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to time in prison where he spent the next eight years of his life. According to Rodney, while living on the inside he soon learned that he had to constantly be aware of his surroundings because his life could be taken as a result of what was essentially someone else's problem.

During his time in prison, he realized it had been eight years since he had spoken to his parents. That separation, as well as the dangers he faced in prison, pushed him to turn his life around. The day he was released, he called his mom and asked for help. Her response was to tell Rodney how much she loved him. After their conversation, he made the decision to give away his belongings and move back to San Diego. More importantly, Rodney decided to remove himself from any temptations that might pull him back into his previous life. He also began attending church with his parents. He is presently very active with youth groups and also plays drums with the church group.

His dad recommended he return to school and complete the requirements necessary to earn a high school diploma. At that point, Rodney realized he had no skills and school presented a fear of failure. Even though he was scared, he contacted Poway Adult School. On November 2, 2015, Rodney began classes to earn his diploma. Riding the bike his dad purchased for him to get to school, Rodney has not ever missed a day. He has excelled and become a role model to his fellow students. His teachers admire the quality and determination he demonstrates as he completes assignments.

Rodney chose to take advantage of the support made available through the Poway Adult School ASE program. Ms. Gomez, being a veteran teacher, took Rodney under her wing, nurtured him, and built upon each of his course-work successes. Working in tandem with Ms. Gomez, the school's ASE Counselor Ms. Perez closely monitored Rodney's credits and offered encouragement whenever needed. Because of his readiness and willingness to believe in himself, and others' commitment to support his efforts, this Poway Adult School team saw Rodney excel and become a confident, driven, and successful young man.

Rodney is well on his way to a career that will make the world a better place, and is so far from the wrong road the 13-year-old boy took that led to such a dark place.

Rodney graduated in August, 2017, gave the student commencement speech at the ceremony, and will begin his next goal of earning his degree in Theology at Calvary Bible College in Murietta, California.

Student Success Story: Raymond LopezCharles A. Jones Adult Education

My name is Raymond Lopez. In 2004, I decided to enroll in American River Junior College to better myself with an education and get a better career. After the first semester, I was doing well. I made the dean's list and was on winter break set to return on January 5th to finish my general education. On the night of January 4, 2005 my roommates and I were home-invaded in Sacramento, in an area called North Highlands, by two burglars. They both had guns. I almost lost my life that night trying to save my roommates from any harm. I suffered a severe brain injury and had to have multiple surgeries for brain swelling, bone fragments that punctured my brain, and a serious subdural hematoma. I was in the ICU for 15 days after the emergency surgery. I did not know my mother's name or my sister’s name for about 7 days. The doctor told my mom they would know after seven days if the memory loss was permanent. During those first seven days, anytime someone would walk into my room I thought I was getting robbed all over again. On day eight I sat up in the morning and when my mom and sister came in I called them by their names, “Mom, Jen I'm so glad you're here. I really missed you guys!” The nurses kept telling me I was here for a reason and that I was a miracle, but I didn't understand at the time. I got out of the hospital after 27 days. I was severely depressed and wanted revenge for what those men did to me. I lived with my mother in Vacaville, CA. During this time, it was hard for both of us because I was struggling with the recovery process. It hurt her to see me like this, but she always supported me during this time and told me I could do it one day at a time. I went to therapy weekly at Kaiser to talk to a psychiatrist. I also had to meet two times a week with a speech therapist. I had trouble with vocabulary; I knew the words and had used them before but just couldn't pull them from my memory. I had to go to anger management because of an overwhelming amount of anger from what had happened to me. Before this happened, I played competitive golf at a high level. However, during my recovery when my dad took me to the golf course to putt I missed the hole by 5 feet. I dropped down to my knees and sobbed about how they beat my golf game out of me. I came to a point where I asked my mom to write down the “Our Father” prayer. I recited that prayer nightly when I would go to sleep like a little boy on his knees begging for help. I also purchased a Bible and read it front to back. I figured if I was going to pray I better know God and his story. One day I woke up and the words from the prayer, “forgive those who trespass against us” stuck with me and meant something to me. Even if I got revenge with those men it would not change what I had been through. After that point, I started to work harder at getting better. I couldn't drive so I would walk 5 miles to the golf course to practice. The recovery took about 2 years with a lot of therapy for cognitive issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Day by day I was getting better, but I was super emotional and would cry at the drop of a hat. I stopped taking the anti-seizure medication since I had not had a seizure for a year, and I could drive again. My mom wanted me to stay with her, but I felt like a burden to her, so I moved to Sonora, CA where my dad lived. When I finally got to a point where I could start working again I stayed away from challenging my brain with education because of the trauma, and I was afraid that my brain wouldn't work as well. I took different maintenance jobs and was a laborer for a drywall company. Settling for using my body to work, and not my mind, was good for about 9 years.

In June of 2014, I fell while working for an apartment complex. I was up about 15 feet on a ladder changing parking lot lights, and my supervisor was holding the ladder when the ladder rotated around the pole. I fell onto a parking curb and broke my back in two different places and shattered the scaphoid in my left wrist. I lived with my fiancé and her two children. She took care of me and drove me to all my appointments. I felt like a terrible man because I couldn't do anything to help her. I felt worthless. After two surgeries, I still have residual lower back pain from my disk and tail bone. I could never return to being a laborer or working in maintenance because of my injuries. I tried to find clerical work in Sonora, CA. I got lots of interviews and job offers but nothing during regular hours. I had several graveyard-shift offers at the casino, but at the time my fiancé was working as a CNA on the night shift. I had to work during the day while the kids were in school and take care of the kids at night while she was at work. I got 3 different interviews at the new hospital. The human resource department really liked me and my resume but without any type of schooling in the medical field it would be hard to get me in. They said sometimes they could train personnel, but they needed someone with experience in admitting right away.

I decided to go back to school to become a medical assistant to help people, something that I’ve always enjoyed, and use my brain instead of my body to work. The medical field has always interested me being a patient, but I wanted to learn more about it and impact someone the way the nurses and MA’s impacted me during my recovery. The medical field is growing and has great benefits for a family. Working with the public is something I've always enjoyed. I searched all types of schools in the Bay Area and junior colleges. Junior college was the way I was heading but it took longer and they offered one class but another class had a long waiting list. I kept running into that problem the more schools I checked out. Finishing school and getting back into the workforce would take even longer. My friends that work in the medical field as LVN’s for Kaiser told me that the teacher in the medical assisting program at Charles A. Jones was knowledgeable and well known in the field. A lot of their MA’s that worked for Kaiser went to the school on Lemon Hill. So, I looked up Charles A. Jones Adult Education and it really caught my eye because of the teacher, accelerated learning, and the externship hours. I realized that you need experience to enter this field and what better way than to have a longer externship. I attended an orientation at CAJ but didn't get to meet the teacher and ask questions. Even so, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Nobody was pushing me; I wanted this for myself: to have a career that could last a long time. I took all the steps to enroll. I got financial aid being on disability and applied for and received a scholarship to pay the remaining balance. I had to commute about an hour to school from Fairfield, CA, but I was very happy with this school. I started school in October. After meeting Mrs. Bradshaw, she asked me how bad I wanted this and how hard I was willing to work for this. I told her it was my goal to become a medical assistant, and I was tough enough not to quit. When class started, I began to think I couldn't do it, wanted to quit, and barely kept afloat. Mrs. Bradshaw kept reassuring me that I could do this and to put my life on hold to achieve my goal. After I got a warning about being dropped from the class and an option to quit before I got too far into the program, I told myself I was not going to fail. I had to study harder, all night if I had to, but I was not walking out that door. I also work full time at night so that makes it harder, but if I put my mind to it I can do anything. I work in a warehouse doing inventory at night. I just walk around with a PDA device and order more product for the employees to build loads. I study a lot with flashcards. I place them all around the warehouse on the pallets and quiz myself as I walk around. I hardly get any sleep, but I figure that it’s only 8 months so I can sacrifice now for the long-term goal. As class progresses so do my grades and test scores, and I challenge myself to beat my last test score. I have accomplished all the back-office tasks, such as blood draws, injections, finger sticks, PPD’s, blood pressures, Snellen eye tests, hearing tests, and EKGs. Now I'm in front office learning the business side of the job, making forms, learning the laws, scope of practice, and nutrition.

Through everything I've been through and realizing that my brain is stronger than it was before, I have been given a second chance at life. Teachers have the biggest impact on students, and without Mrs. Bradshaw teaching at a higher level to make me more valuable as a medical assistant and pushing me to do my absolute best, I would not be where I am today. I am grateful to have Mrs. Bradshaw in my life, believing in me and reassuring me with confidence that I will make a great medical assistant and a true asset to a company because of my caring nature and hard work. Being Mrs. Bradshaw's student is a blessing, and I am where I am today with her help.

Teachers are amazing people, and I am thankful for what Mrs. Bradshaw has shown me. I know it is up to me to achieve more at a higher level with the tools she have given me. I will never forget all she has shown and taught me. I want to continue my education to obtain my phlebotomy license, and I want to become an EMT. I want to continue with adult education because of the great experience I’ve had at Charles A. Jones. I would recommend CAJ to any student looking to better themselves or looking to become a medical assistant. I would like to thank Charles A. Jones Adult Education for giving me the opportunity to return to school and change career paths. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue in adult education. Thank you.

Student Success Story: Imelda DonatoStockton School for Adults

Hello, my name is Imelda Donato. I am one of five children in my family. I am the first to have graduated and have gone to college. I am an Adult Education Counselor at Stockton School for Adults. So, how did I get here? I would like to share my story with you. But please bear with me as my journey like those of many others had road blocks and speed bumps that slowed me down. It was not a straight path to success. I did not go straight to college after knowing most of my childhood what wanted to be “when I grow up.” In fact I did not know I could go to college. I was unaware of my potential.

My journey to becoming a counselor began as a student at Stockton School for Adults, but I didn’t decide that I wanted to be a student there, I ended up at School for Adults in 1996 after my high school counselor notified me that I was “not going to graduate” and since I was 18 years old I was referred to School for Adults. I think that I internalized that to mean that I was not smart simply because I was not fluent in the language and not because I did not meet the requirements for graduation.

The combination of missing school due to constant moving to follow the crop seasons and the fact that I thought I was not smart because I had to repeat a grade since I did not speak English fluently had finally caught up with me…I ran out of time. I have vague memories of sitting in the back of the class at a round table with a small group and looking at very colorful pictures while being asked to identify them, I was an English learner. Once I was in high school I had a better grasp of the English language, but by then it was late. I enrolled at Stockton School for Adults (SFA) without expectations, either from myself or the staff. My future was not clear. I just knew that in order to avoid farm work which my mother had exposed us to every summer since we were young, I had to be at school. I would attend all school sessions possible and although I had begun with no expectations that would soon change. Ms. Baba, my homeroom teacher at SFA was the first to ask me about my goals and future after graduation. I don’t think I had an answer right away. So she continued to ask. I was unaware that the reason why she was asking was because I was close to meeting my high school requirements. I had not thought about what I would do after graduation, because I did not think that day would ever come. After all, here I was because I had not been able to meet my high school requirements. Throughout my time with Ms. Baba, she would encourage me to take class test and this gave me a sense that she believed in me. She thought I could and that was enough for me to try and not let her down. I completed my high school requirements before the school year ended, seven months after I had enrolled and attended full time at SFA, I was a graduate. I attended my local community college, San Joaquin Delta College obtained my AA and transfer to CSU Stanislaus, always staying local and within my community. After I had graduated and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree, I returned to School for Adults as a substitute teacher one day. I saw Ms. Baba in the front office told her all about my wonderful job as a substitute teacher. Ms. Baba invited me to consider giving a speech to the graduating class that year, once again here she was believing that I could do something that I had never considered. Tell my story so that others would be inspired. I could never say no to Ms. Baba, she had done so much for me, just by encouraging me. After the graduation speech I developed a special connection with SFA. I returned as a substitute teacher and eventually became an ESL teacher. There was special connection that I had for the ESL students learning a new language and for the young adults that were trying to meet there high school requirements to obtain their high school diplomas. I had been there before.

School for Adults gave me a sense of connection and helped me realized that I had the potential for learning. Ms. Baba, an adult education teacher saw something in me, that I had not seen in myself and she somehow brought out in me a desire to learn. The fire had been lit and there was no putting it out. In 2012 I returned to school to obtain my master’s in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling. Every year a student is chosen to receive the Outstanding Student Achiever for the Pupil Personnel Service Credential Program. In 2014, I received that award, and there front and center, present to see me received an award in academic excellence was Ms. Baba. As I walked across the stage I thought to myself, here I am a student who had to learn English, a student who had to attend Adult Education.

Now, here I am an Adult Education Counselor. I am the person on the other side of the desk asking student to share with me their educational goals. When I see a student that is trying to meet their high school requirements, I always share with them that I too sat on a chair like them not knowing what lied ahead, but having travel that road I can help ease their anxiety. When I see ESL students, I explain to them that practicing English and not giving up is one of the best things that they can do to get ahead. I did not know that I could graduate. I didn’t know that I had potential, but thanks to Ms. Nancy Baba and Adult educator at Stockton School for Adults, I can help others discover this in themselves.

STUDENT Success Story: ALEJANDRA GOMEZ

Alejandra Gomez is in the HSE program studying for the HiSET exam. She is a 1st year student and a mother of 4 children--ranging from adult to young. After she gets her diploma, she plans to pursue a career in Social Work.

STUDENT Success Story: SERGIO CORONELSanger Adult School

Sergio Coronel was involved with a notorious street gang and was twice incarcerated as a teenager. Growing up, he had been told by his teachers that he would never be able to graduate from high school. He was behind in credits and struggling in the English language. He witnessed a horrific incident at age 18 and decided to return to school. When he arrived at Sanger Adult School everything changed. Even though he was afraid and embarrassed, the instructors gave him hope. They encouraged him to read and pursue education.

He graduated from Sanger Adult School and Reedley College. He is now attending CSU Fresno and is double majoring in Criminal Justice and History. He hopes to work in the criminal justice system where he can mentor other young men and women who are struggling. He also wants to be a published researcher.

Student Success Story: Norma TellezMontebello Community Adult School

Norma Tellez has always envisioned having a career in law enforcement. She wants to be a positive role model by helping and protecting the people of her community. When Norma first moved to the United States at the age of 16, this career path seemed like it would always be just a dream. She had no friends or family in this country and had to figure out how to support herself without understanding English or having papers to legally work. At the age of 19, she had her son and knew it was time to get educated.

Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, there was a fire in Norma that always made her move forward to work toward improving her situation. She enrolled at Ford Park Adult School to learn English, though with work and a young child, attending class was challenging at times. Once her son was old enough for school, she began attending full time and completed all six levels of ESL. From there, she transferred into the High School Diploma Program.

Because Norma was undocumented, she had many jobs in which she was taken advantage of, underpaid, and poorly treated. She endured these hardships because she needed to put food on the table and a roof over her son's head. Norma has an amazing spirit and used these experiences to fuel her desire to improve her small family's life. She knew that education was the key.

Because of her work schedule, Norma could only attend her high school classes at night. Not having anyone to watch her son, she brought him with her. He became a fixture in class, doing his homework alongside his mother and going to sleep under her desk when he grew tired. Seeing Norma and her son together was inspiring. They were truly a team. She would explain to him that while times were hard now, they were temporary, and if they could just work together and help each other, she would make a better life for them.

With tremendous dedication, Norma completed all of her credits and in June 2016 graduated from high school at the top of her class. Her intelligence, positive attitude, and hard work didn't go unnoticed. Norma received the Henke Family Trust Scholarship, the biggest scholarship awarded by Montebello Community Adult School, in order to further her education.

Shortly after receiving her high school diploma, Norma achieved another milestone in her life. She obtained her work permit in the United States. Able to work legally and armed with her diploma, Norma quickly received an entry-level job with growth potential at a local company. She then enrolled in the Protective Services program at Ford Park Adult School, which she has since completed with glowing recommendations from her teachers. With this new certification, after completing six months with her current job, she will have the opportunity to transfer into the security department which will offer a livable wage, benefits, and a retirement package. In addition, Norma has applied with the Sheriff's Department and passed her written test. With perseverance, passion, and determination, Norma Tellez proves that dreams can become reality!

Student Success Story: Elsa MartinezSan Bernardino Adult School

In 2009, when the recession hit hard, everyone in the working world was touched by it. This was definitely the case for Elsa Martinez. Providing the main source of income for her husband and 2 children, she had worked long and hard hours at a steel construction company, until 2009 found her laid off as the company was forced to shut its doors, due to the economy.

Elsa suddenly found herself with no income, and as luck would have it, she was also pregnant with her third child, a daughter. Not knowing what to do and not being sure where she could find work, she stayed at home and went about the business of raising a family and struggling to make ends meet. It was a very difficult time for their family, but it did offer plenty of time for Elsa to think about what she needed to do to make sure that they never ended up in this situation again. She decided to go to school and develop some new skills. She enrolled at the San Bernardino Adult School, in the Keyboarding, Microsoft Office, Business Skills, Excel, Word, and QuickBooks classes, where she poured everything she had into her studies. Her goal was to earn certificates in both Office Assistant, and Accounting Clerk, but while she was going to school and pressing forward, life at home was becoming more and more stressful due to the lack of finances. She knew a decision had to be made.

One of the teachers at the Adult School had told the class that Amazon was just settling into San Bernardino and was looking to hire 700 workers. She knew she needed that job but was also torn about giving up her educational pursuits. She confided in one of her teachers that she was truly struggling with knowing what to do. Her family needed that income, and she really didn't want to leave school for fear of not being able to return. The teacher encouraged her to do what was best for herself and for her family and that the school would be waiting when she was ready to return. So she said good bye and went to work at Amazon.

With her computer skills, she quickly advanced to a position of "Problem Solving," making a nice wage, with good benefits. She remained at Amazon for 3 years and got everything at home back in balance. Not being one to rest on her accomplishments for long, Elsa began placing applications and resumes at various other places. In her heart, she said she always hoped she could work for a school. While job searching in the mornings, she continued her Amazon job at night. She laughingly said she believes she slept through her first two or three morning job interviews, but then one day, she received a call to interview for San Bernardino City Schools. As tired as she was, she nearly blew it off, but something inside her told her to go, so she did.

This time she was at least mostly awake as she answered the various questions about skills, character decisions, etc., and then the interviewer said the magic words, "If you were to be hired, you would be working at the San Bernardino Adult School", at which point, Elsa became wide awake and completely focused. She exclaimed with great joy and pride, "I love the Adult School, I got all my training at the Adult School!" Needless to say, the interviewing principal was happy to see an alumnus so excited about the possibility of returning to the school as an employee. Elsa was hired as a Bi-Lingual Clerk II. She is currently working in the assessment and data collections office and has gone on to earn her certificate in GED test proctoring. She credits her teachers and the staff at the adult school for having the insight to know what she needed and to directing her path by making her feel as though she would always have a home at the school. Elsa says she truly believes that God's will brought her to the Adult School. We are all blessed that He did.

Student Success Story: Michael GonzagaFremont Adult School

Michael Gonzaga, a graduate of Fremont Adult School, never thought that he would one day become a senior medical student with plans of applying to a residency program and becoming a future physician. Currently finishing up his third year of medical school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, Michael strives to carve out a path in medicine that focuses on bringing resources to low-income patients and being an advocate who spotlights the issues that underinsured patients face in order to gain greater access to needed healthcare services.

Mr. Gonzaga's path started over 15 years ago where he was invited to complete a fifth year of attendance at Irvington High School. With no solid direction for his future aspirations, he completed his high school degree in 2000 from the Fremont Adult School and began his coursework at Ohlone College while leaning on mentors such as librarians, professors and academic counselors to complete an associate's degree. He transferred to the University of California, Davis in 2002 and graduated with a degree in Sociology two and a half years later. Realizing that becoming a doctor was how he could make the greatest impact, he continued his education at Ohlone College, Chabot College, Berkeley City College, Merritt College, Solano College and the University of California, Berkeley Extension while working as a sales representative, fork lift driver, front desk staff, call room operator, researcher, and coordinator in order to obtain a post baccalaureate degree which would allow him to apply to medical school.

Michael was accepted to Meharry Medical College and began his first year of coursework in 2011. Since then, he has served on the board of directors to initiate the first free student run clinic at Meharry known as the 12 South Community Clinic, received a yearlong scholarship to participate in community engaged research, and has been working as a Patient Advocate in the Nashville General Hospital's Emergency Department providing comfort for families visiting the ER while working with the medical team to provide triage, ancillary, and procedural support. Michael hopes to attend a residency program that will provide training to prepare him for establishing comprehensive health centers in low-income communities while mentoring community leaders of color, aspiring physicians, and other health allies who will have access to scholarship, training and educational opportunities.

When Graham Brown, Health Systems Manager, at "Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy" was looking for a new Pharmacy Technician at his Specialty Compounding Store, he contacted Ms. Leslie Acuña, the Pharmacy Technician Instructor, at Abram Friedman Occupational Center (AFOC). Ms. Acuña chose to offer an Externship (hands-on training in a pharmacy) to Leslie Constanza, a very bright and detail-orientated student. During the Externship, Ms. Constanza performed impressively and was offered a full-time position. She is now a California State Board of Pharmacy, Licensed Walgreens Pharmacy Technician and Nationally Certified with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

"Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy" is the only Walgreens Compounding Pharmacy in California. They are different from other pharmacies (including other Walgreens Pharmacies) because they cater to a variety of specialty diseases, such as chemo for the young patients at Children's Hospital. They specialize in dosage forms; and in creating suspensions, suppositories, creams/ointments, and capsules that are not prefabricated; and they provide health testing services.

What makes Leslie's story so special is that she was hired for a position that is rare and unique and is an unparalleled learning opportunity for advancement in her career. This opportunity was equivalent to winning the Pharmacy Technician lottery. Less than 1% of students are even considered for a position like this because of the skill level that is required. Mr. Brown said, "I chose Leslie because she is extremely bright and showed a will to work hard and learn her craft. She went above and beyond any tasks that were given to her to complete."

Leslie Constanza enrolled in AFOC, focused on education and opportunity. She wanted a career where she would be able to work in the medical field, contributing her passion to ensure patient health and safety. AFOC wishes Leslie a long and successful career.

The Career Technical Education program at AFOC provides competency-based and academically-integrated career training. Check out our website for other training programs:www.abramfriedmanoc.org

Student Success Story: HortenciaElk Grove Adult & Community Education

Hortencia dreamed of working in the medical field since she was child, in Mexico, but knew she needed to improve her English language skills first. "Everyone I know speaks only Spanish," she said. "Even though I have been here for 30 years, all of my jobs have workplaces with Spanish-speaking coworkers so I didn't get practice there, either."

After her layoff from Bimbo Bread, in November 2013, she enrolled with Elk Grove Adult & Community Education (EGACE) Training Center and worked with Connie Guillen Torres and then Monica Mercado Vasquez to put together a plan to sharpen her employability skills. "Monica helps all the time," she said. "She encourages me and stays in touch, asking me how I am doing and always answering my questions. That really helped me!"

Hortencia immediately enrolled in English as a Second Language for the Workplace, at EGACE, and remained in that class, through July 2014. Her instructor, Mari Hudson, assisted her in her reading, vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation skills. In the afternoons, she attended Career Academic Development (CAD), with instructor Kathleen Edel, using the computer to develop a professional cover letter, resume and portfolio.

Once she had completed these steps, Hortencia was ready to join the NCMA class, in the fall of 2014. The class was challenging; but she said, "Ms. Gilmore was patient. She explained step-by-step, so everyone can understand. She's amazing! Ms. Gilmore may be small, but she is a strong woman!" Hortencia completed the rigorous class and proudly wore her cap and gown, at the February 28, 2015, graduation ceremony. "If you have the opportunity, you have to go to school. My coworkers said, 'No, we're too old.' But they were wrong. You can do it!"

Every journey starts with a simple step. For many that simple step can be one full of hesitation and anxiety. That is exactly how two sisters from Mexico, Fatima and Genova Hernandez, felt upon embarking on their educational journey at San Bernardino Adult School, in fall of 2013. Their goal was to improve their English enough to be able to find employment in the community. Now, almost two years after first setting foot in adult school, Fatima and Genova Hernandez have passed all four subject matter GED exams in English!

"We wanted to learn English. That's all," is what both sisters replied on their thoughts back to the fall of 2013 as they registered at San Bernardino Adult, "We wanted the GED but didn't know we could do it."

Their remarkable success story includes one of much dedication and endurance, as well as mutual support. Both Fatima and Genova live approximately 20 miles north of San Bernardino Adult School, in the City of Twin Peaks. For those who do not know the area, the city's location is known for its wilderness amongst the San Bernardino National Forest. The drive down and up the hill must be taken with much precaution. Despite the inclement weather that Twin Peaks and Lake Arrowhead are famously known for, this difficulty did not stop Fatima and Genova from attending class on a regular basis.

Initially, Fatima and Genova scored into the ESL Intermediate I course at the school. After completing the course they progressed onto Intermediate II. Eighteen months after their enrollment, the two sisters found themselves successfully graduating from the ESL program at San Bernardino Adult School. At this moment and in mutual agreement to keep supporting each other, both Fatima and Genova enrolled in the ABE for ESL Students course.

The ABE for ESL Students course at San Bernardino Adult School has the main objective of preparing students who have successfully graduated from the ESL program for success in GED preparation courses. As Fatima and Genova demonstrated to have enough understanding of the English language in the ABE class, Mrs. Rosa Leon Blanco, with encouragement and reassurance that much academic support would be available (tutors, extra resources and practices), promoted Fatima and Genova to the GED Test Preparation evening course with Mr. Oscar Lara. In this course, the two sisters studied side by side with other fellow ESL graduates as well as native speakers of the English language--all of whom had in common the aspiration, motivation, and mind set of passing the four components of the GED exam.

On May 29, 2015, at 6pm, Fatima Hernandez and Genova Hernandez, in company of their parents, family members, friends, classmates, and teachers, received the General Education Development (GED) Diploma!

Furthermore, with the help of the San Bernardino Adult School's College Transition Program, Fatima and Genova are ecstatically anticipating starting college in winter.